AD Agencies
Weekend Unwind with Social Panga’s Manan Malik
Mumbai: With another weekend upon us, it is time to unwind with the latest Q&A edition of Indiantelevision.com’s Weekend Unwind—a series of informal chats that peek into the minds of business executives through a fun lens in an attempt to get to know the person behind the title a little better.
In this week’s session, we have
Social Panga’s director of strategy and growth Manan Malik.
Without further ado here it goes…
Your mantra for life
I will summarise this with a quote, and I have an abstract tattoo for the same as well.
“We all have our time machines, don’t we. Those that take us back are memories… And those that carry us forward, are dreams.” from the book ‘The Time Machine’ by H.G. Wells
A book you are currently reading or plan to read
I am currently reading ‘Landour Days’ by Ruskin Bond. It’s a book on a lot of Ruskin Bond’s personal stories and experiences of living in the hills. Both Ruskin Bond and Ladour have a special place and emotion in my heart. I am a slow reader, whenever this finishes, I am going to pick ‘Cat People’ by Devapriya Roy
Your fitness mantra
While I am still working on this front. In the end it boils down to the enough movement, portion control, setting boundaries and saying no. If these are in check, consistency and discipline will take you places! Secondly, learning the science behind things help me.
Your comfort food
Technically, I should be averse to this idea, but Giani’s Caramel Mocha Sundae wins this category. It definitely delivers comfort right to the soul! And who doesn’t like a plate of perfectly cooked rajma chawal and momos.
A quote or philosophy that keeps you going when the chips are down
“And Until Death Comes, All if Life.” – Lines by Ruskin Bond. It has been my email signature for years.
Your guilty pleasure
Making endless lists about things and organising data and every information. Also, documenting various aspects of my life which might be of no use or now are mere memory.
The last time you tried something new
I have recently started making Protein Pancakes, which is new dish. I hope that counts ?
A life lesson you learned the hard way
I should have prioritized health over anything else in my younger years and acknowledge the things I feel and want.
What gets you excited about life?
That there’s so much more to this world. So many places to travel, and so many things to experience – people, culture, food and all things life, and so many hobbies to follow and skills to learn.
What’s on top of your bucket list?
Having a simple house built as per what I have imagined in the quaint foot of the hills, with all things that makes a house a home! But that’s a long shot, so publishing my poetry-photography book which I would want to make it happen soon.
If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?
It’s so easier than it looks to manage my fears, and I should have managed them without wasting much time, whenever needed. Secondly, to always prioritize myself.
One thing you would most like to change about the world
The world could use more compassion and kindness and see beyond just work and deadlines. Things are not as hard, difficult and daunting as people make them because of their wiring.
An activity that keeps you motivated and charged during tough times
Hitting the gym, and very recently playing Table Tennis.
What lifts your spirits when life gets you down?
Talking my heart out to the wonderful, sensible bunch of friends that I am blessed to have.
Your go-to stress buster
The attention and space that my beautiful Calico-Indie cat, Arya demands by sitting with me or on my lap, does the job perfectly well.
AD Agencies
Goafest 2026 set for 20–22 May in Goa
South Asia’s marquee advertising festival returns with ABBY Awards powered by One Show and promises bigger conversations on creativity and innovation
GOA: The advertising industry’s annual pilgrimage is locked in. The 19th edition of Goafest will take place in Goa from 20 to 22 May 2026, bringing together the biggest names in advertising, media and marketing for three days of ideas, networking and celebration.
Announced jointly by the Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and The Advertising Club (TAC), the festival will once again host the ABBY Awards powered by One Show 2026 — widely regarded as the region’s most coveted creative honours — recognising outstanding work across advertising and media.
Launched in 2006, Goafest has evolved into the industry’s marquee gathering, drawing more than 2,000 professionals each year. Beyond the awards, the event has become a forum for big debates, future-facing ideas and the occasional industry soul-searching.
Srinivasan K Swamy, president of the Advertising Agencies Association of India, said the festival remains a crucible for industry thought and collaboration. “Goafest has always been a melting pot of ideas, creativity and camaraderie. We aim to spark new conversations, fresh perspectives and fuel the future of advertising and marketing. It is an occasion for the industry to come together, celebrate excellence and engage in meaningful conversations about the future of our craft.”
Dheeraj Sinha, president of The Advertising Club, underlined the legacy of the ABBY Awards, now in their 57th year. “Goafest has always been synonymous with creativity, collaboration and industry excellence. The ABBY Awards powered by One Club continue to push boundaries and set new creative benchmarks year after year. In its 57th year, the awards continue to raise the bar, and this year’s edition will be even more inspiring, bringing together the brightest minds in the industry.”
For organisers, the festival has grown beyond a calendar event. Jaideep Gandhi, vice president of AAAI and chairman of the Goafest 2026 organising committee and founder of Another Idea, said the property has become a legacy for the industry. “In its 19th year, Goafest is no longer just an event — it is a legacy we are privileged to carry forward. It is a unifying force that brings together the various industry associations across advertising and marketing under one roof. I am deeply grateful to the stalwarts who envisioned this remarkable property, and it is heartening that some of them continue to be actively involved in its journey.”
The organisers promise that the upcoming edition will dial things up a notch. Mohit Joshi, co-chair of the Goafest 2026 organising committee and chief executive officer of Havas Media India, said the festival is gearing up for a bigger, more immersive format. “Over the past 18 editions, Goafest has evolved into a premier platform that celebrates creativity, innovation and the dynamic transformation of our industry. This year Goafest will be more impactful than ever. It will introduce new formats, immersive engagements and high-calibre discussions that have never been done before.”
“With a larger scale, an inspiring line-up of speakers and a focus on cutting-edge ideas,” Joshi added, “Goafest 2026 is set to redefine the way our industry comes together to learn, collaborate and celebrate.”
Co-hosted by the Advertising Agencies Association of India and The Advertising Club, the festival continues to position itself as South Asia’s premier advertising gathering — where ideas collide, creativity gets crowned and the industry takes a long, hard look at where it is headed next.
